Watercolor Techniques: Painting Light and Color in Landscapes and Cityscapes

by Michael Reardon

"No other medium is as magical and enjoyable as watercolor."

So says artist and author Michael Reardon. In Watercolor Painting Light and Color in Landscapes and Cityscapes , Reardon covers it all, from answers to beginners' most vexing problems (What is the proper ratio of pigment and water? How do I lay down an even wash? Why do my paintings look so washed out?) to understanding the trifecta of perspective, value, and color. He shows how to paint whites that sparkle and shadows that glow and how to conjure the atmosphere of a particular place and time. Painters of all skill levels will see-- and feel --the difference in their work.

   • Packed with expert advice for infusing scenes with light and color
   • Includes special tips and techniques for painting architectural subjects
   • Illustrated with inspiring paintings of scenes from around the world
   • 8 start-to-finish demonstrations show key concepts in action
"Light, as it glances off a facade, glimmers off the water or gleams off polished marble, is always inspiring. Color, with its infinite array of hues, is always irresistible. Searching for ways to make them harmonize and tell a story can last a lifetime."

Genres: Art, Reference, Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published March 29, 2016

Reviews

[Andrea Baron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had both the pleasure and honor of taking several classes from Michael Reardon. He is a patient and kind teacher, and those qualities are reflected in this beautiful book. He touches on everything you need to know to paint beautiful watercolors, but truly, practice, as he points out, is the answer.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I just received my copy of this book and I cannot say enough good things about it. Probably the best watercolor book I have ever read, or seen, for that matter, because the artwork is amazing.

Highly recommended!

[LEE WIN FAI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful paintings with clear teachings

It is a joy to appreciate this book, and a wonderful source of reference! One of the best watercolour teaching book I have ever read!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME! I purchased my copy directly from Michael Reardon during my first watercolor workshop with him. Its the best watercolor book I have read to date, hands down. Its also the first that I've wanted to read cover to cover. I find it an invaluable resource during my plein air painting travels on our sailboat in Puget Sound. I've read the entire book taking notes along the way, and I plan to go back and paint all the demos that provide great follow up on the content of each chapter. Unlike some books, the demonstration paintings seem entirely clear in the explanations for completion. I am very happy with this book, and my painting colleagues say they've seen immediate improvement in my new work.

[Nikolina Dancheva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Полезна и практична, с фокус към по-начинаещите и тези, които се фокусират върху градската архитектура (не се разглежда темата за перспектива). Техниката на рисуване е характерната за автора, но дори това да не е вашият начин на рисуване, в книгата има много полезни съвети за използването и смесването на цветовете, изграждането на тонове и обрисуването на светлината. В почти всяка глава има и практична задача - рисуване по референтна снимка с обяснения стъпка по стъпка. Книгата е подходяща и за малко по-напреднали хора ако имат затруднения с яркостта на цветовете, контрастите или изграждането на образ, който да изглежда жив и вълнуващ.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and I'm going to renew it to look at it a little more. The paintings are good and draw you in. Author does a good job picking pieces that really show the point he's trying to make. Writing style is engaging and conversational. The step by steps seem doable, but the author encourages you to make it your own.

[Marcus Gunaratnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true master of the medium who explains it all, the watercolorists bible.

At last a book that is generous in knowledge and content.
Certainly a book to buy and give as a generous gift.
The author has managed to create the magic that is watercour in every example.

[James Prothero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good basic color-mixing and technique book, with beautiful artwork worth close study.

[deepesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

Clear instructions and great demos for beginners like me. The selection of paintings demonstrated are not so complicated as to be difficult for beginners or those with just a little more experience. The author uses cadmium orange and cobalt blue often but these can de replaced adequately if not perfectly by other pigments.

[Negin Karimian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book has taught me a lot. If you enjoy Joseph Zbukvic's style of painting, you will love this book. It has perfectly explained his techniques and his thinking process even before picking up the brush.

[Berber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really for the beginner watercolourist but provides invaluable tips on colour mixing and how to preserve luminosity in your watercolour paintings. Wish the step-by-steps were broken down just a bit more, but it's good that this didn't turn into a paint-by-numbers kind of book.

[Teresaepfeil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous

Beautiful, inspired competent paintings AND the artist shares his process for achieving them.
This book makes me really excited about learning to paint with watercolor.